Adrian Sutherland joins Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji on this episode of Welcome To The Music!

Adrian Sutherland is a roots-rock recording artist with heart from Attawapiskat First Nation on the James Bay. He’s a singer, songwriter, musician, writer, speaker, and advocate. He’s a father of four, grandfather to four, a traditional knowledge keeper, and respected cultural leader, fluent in Mushkegowuk Cree.

The fascinating frontman and founder of all-Cree rockers Midnight Shine, Adrian released four albums with the band before shifting his attention to solo projects in 2019. After building his own recording studio in a sea-can out of necessity during the pandemic, Adrian completed tracking for When The Magic Hits, and scored his first television series (Unsettled by Jennifer Podemski for APTN and TVO). He is presently writing his first book for Penguin Random House Canada about growing up in Attawapiskat – a remote and sometimes-harsh place he still chooses to call home.

Adrian cares deeply about many causes, and is using his music and voice to share first-hand perspective on issues facing First Nations like contaminated water, housing shortages, food insecurity, addiction, and mental health. At a time of growing awareness about Reconciliation, Adrian is hopeful for Canadians to better understand one another, and take further steps together.

Photo: Judy Sutherland